IFPRI CA News Digest (February 7 – February 13, 2018)

February 14, 2018

News IFAD: $39 million investment to stimulate inclusive economic growth in Tajikistan
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the government of Tajikistan signed a financing agreement for a $39.3 million project that will promote inclusive economic growth in poor rural communities. The project, aimed at improving access to infrastructure and services, will be implemented in several districts of Tajikistan with high poverty rates. – IFAD

Russia's record harvests impacting Kazakhstan's milling industry
Kazakhstan’s flour milling industry is hampered by a shortage of grain transportation vehicles from Russia, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Russia’s recent record harvests have reduced the availability of transportation for Kazakh millers, who rely on Russian equipment to move their goods. In addition, Kazakh millers are more open about their use of wheat imports from Russia, whereas previously they typically did not disclose this fact. – World Grain

Kazakhstan's exports of non-primary products up
Kazakhstan is increasing its share of exports of non-raw material commodities, according to economic vice minister Baurzhen Bekeshev. According to the figures cited in the article, almost one-third of total exports were composed of non-raw material goods. – MENAFN

Analysis & Other InformationUzbekistan has potential to triple agricultural exports to Russia
The prospect of Uzbekistan becoming a major supplier of horticultural goods to Russia was discussed at a ministerial-level meeting between the two countries. The Uzbek trade minister and Russian agriculture minister also discussed the recently-established “Green Corridor” facilitating agricultural trade between Uzbekistan and Russia. – AzerNews

Once-repressive Uzbekistan begins a post-Karimov opening
The Financial Times lists the political and economic reforms that have taken place since current Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office in 2016. The article notes the steps the current government has taken in terms of improving the country’s business climate and describes a more relaxed atmosphere in terms of human rights and the media. – The Financial Times

Putin's Silk Road gamble
Artyom Lukin, professor of international politics at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, discusses Russia’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the context of its overall strategic policy. In particular, he observes how China has established itself in Central Asia with little repercussion for Russian interests. In fact, he claims that Russia will play an important role as a hedge against China for Central Asian countries, even as China gains more economic clout in the region. – Washington Post

The articles included in this news digest have been generated from online sources. Any opinions stated herein are not representative of, or endorsed by, the International Food Policy Research Institute or its partners.